Arrest made in fatal prom after-party shooting

An 18-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a student at a Whitchurch-Stouffville prom after-party.

York Regional Police (YRP) issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant May 8 for Jahdea Paterson of Toronto. He turned himself in to Halton Regional Police the following day.

Emergency crews were called to a home on Bloomington Road East near Ninth Line on May 3 after 4 a.m. after gunshots were fired at the home, which had been rented through Airbnb. Vaughan resident Rizwaan Aboobakar Wadee, 18, was found dead from a gunshot wound at the scene.

Two male youths arrested on Bethesda Road the night of the shooting had been charged with firearms-related offences and now face additional charges. A 17-year-old from Toronto has been charged with first degree murder and a 16-year-old, also from Toronto, has been charged with accessory after the fact – murder.

YRP investigators have spoken with some of the party-goers but are still looking for additional witnesses. Anyone who took images or video from the party or anyone who has images from the party that have been shared can upload them to a special web portal at https://forms.yrp.ca/Investigative/File-Submissions-to-York-Regional-Police.

A special tip line has also been set up. Anyone with information can call 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2411. You can also provide information or upload images anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.1800222tips.com.

In a message posted on the York Region District School Board website, Director of Education Louise Sirisko confirmed the victim attended Maple High School. “Understandably, some parents may be asking about safety in our schools and school events. I want to reassure you that our schools are safe spaces for children,” she said.

Jahdea Paterson has been charged with first-degree murder. York Regional Police photo.